Gabi returns home and links back up with the manager who gave him is debut

Gabriel Fernandez Arenas Gabi has Atlético de Madrid engraved in the heart. Gabi worked his way through the youth ranks thanks to his tenacity, hard work and obvious quality, which made him become a regular for his teams and also went on the become runner up in the under 20s world cup with Spain.    Born in Madrid on the 10th of July, 1983, he moved in to first team squad at Atlético in the 2003/04 season, with Gregorio Manzano at the helm. That season he played 6 games, after making his debut at the Mestalla on February 7, 2004. However, shortly after he moved to Getafe on a season long on loan where he became a key player led by Quique Sanchez Flores.  That year he played 32 games and scored two goals, one of the regulars of the former Atlético coaches.  The first homecoming was in the 2005/06 season, with Carlos Bianchi in charge, where he played 32 games, scoring one goal. In the 06/07 season he played 20 games before he received the offer frm Zaragoza. He did not hesitate and signed a contract with the Aragonese for five seasons. He became a permanent fixture at La Romareda from the start, playing 32 games in his first year. He was a vital part of the team who triumphantly returned to the elite of Spanish football, playing 36 matches and scoring 4 goals.    In the 09/10 season he played 32 games and scored 1 goal, becoming the captain of Zaragoza. During the 10/11 season, he took on the job of penalty taking, scoring 6 goals from 6 attempts in the league, and 1 penalty in the Cup), finishing the capmagin with a goal against Levante on the last day of the season. Last season he played 38 matches in La Liga and scored a total of 11 goals.  Arriving at the Vicente Calderón is a player with Atlético running through his veins who will bring quality, technique and precision in midfield. In addition, he returns with experience, having played 192 La Liga, he’s a big team player with great technique and enormous sacrifice, with leadership experience, all things which made him a key player for Zaragoza . The manager who gave him is debut Gregorio Manzano is looking forward to working with him again and made it clear the role Gabi will play in the new Atlético Madrid: 'Gabi, who made his debut for me seven years ago has had a great football development. I want other players to look up to him as an example”.   'We want players with enthusiasm and hunger. I think Gabi has become the best and we will make the most of that. I'm sure the fans will be happy to see a squad with the desire and the quality that Gabi shows', he said   The captain of Atletico Madrid, Antonio Lopez, knows Gabi well. He shared the changing room with his on several occasions and both forged a great friendship. The Atlético no. '3 ' is confident of the quality of midfielder and is confident that his performance at the Manzanares will be of the highest standard. 'I think the policy the club is following will be successful. Gabi has had a magnificent season for Zaragoza and has shown what a great player he is. This year he has the opportunity to come home,' said the full back.    'For this club the academy is very important and many players have left the Atlético youth sides and are now doing well elsewhere. Gabi grew up in the Atlético youth set up and has matured as a person and player. In Zaragoza he wore the captain's armband and has fought to keep the team in La Liga,' he said